System and methodology for a wind turbine

ABSTRACT

A wind turbine having discrete sets of magnets on the turbine support and the turbine rotor, creating repelling forces and spaces therebetween. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/854,736, entitled “ System and Methodology for a Wind Turbine,”filed Apr. 1, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/215,233, entitled “Wind Turbine,” filed Jun. 26, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,513,826, and related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/215,232, entitled “Wind Compressor,” also filed Jun. 26, 2008, thesubject matters of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of invention relates to a wind turbine having one or more setsof magnets for reducing friction between a turbine rotor and a turbinesupport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it intomechanical or electric power. Traditional wind turbines have ahorizontal spinning axis that allowed blades of the wind turbine torotate around the axis. As wind engages the blades, the blades movearound the horizontal spinning axis of the wind turbine. The relativerotation of the blades to the horizontal axis may then be converted intoenergy.

Recently vertical axis wind turbines have been used to harness thekinetic energy of the wind. Vertical axis wind turbines operate in thesame manner as horizontal axis wind turbines; however, the axis is avertical plane and the blades spin around the vertical axis. During theoperation of the horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbines, energyis lost during the process as the mechanical pieces of the windmill loseenergy to friction forces. Further, the friction between the movingparts creates maintenance problems which require frequent and costlyrepairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention increases the efficiency of a wind turbine becausethe friction occurring between the parts of a wind turbine issignificantly reduced. The wind turbine of this invention comprise aturbine rotor, a turbine support, one or more blades coupled to theturbine rotor, the one or more blades configured to move the turbinerotor relative to the turbine support. The significant improvement inefficiency is attributed to one or more magnet sets located between theturbine support and the turbine rotor. The one or more magnet setscreate a space between at least a portion of the turbine rotor and aportion of the turbine support. Alternatively, the space created by themagnet is between the entire turbine rotor and the entire turbinesupport. The rotational movement of the turbine rotor is essentiallyfrictionless and minimal energy is expended during rotation of theturbine blades. The energy output produced by the turbine rotor istransmitted to one or more generators that are configured to generateelectric power from the rotational movement of the turbine rotor.

In one embodiment of this invention, a wind turbine comprises a verticalturbine rotor for rotating around a core axis, the turbine rotorcomprising a central axis. A vertical turbine support lies within andconcentric to the turbine support for rotating in relation to theturbine rotor, the turbine support comprising a support shaft. Thesupport shaft is positioned radially inside the central axis. One ormore blades are coupled to the turbine rotor, the one or more bladesconfigured to increase wind energy by rotating the turbine rotorrelative to the turbine support. Advantageously, one or more sets ofmagnets positioned on a side of the turbine support adjacent the turbinerotor and one or more sets of magnets are positioned on a side of thecentral axis adjacent the turbine support. The turbine support magnetscreate an opposing force to the turbine rotor magnets

In another aspect of this invention, a space is defined between at leasta portion of the turbine rotor and a portion of the turbine support,wherein the space is created by the opposing forces of the one or moremagnet sets. The space helps to reduce the friction between the rotatingturbine rotor and the turbine support. One or more generators areconfigured to generate electric power in response to the movement of theturbine rotor relative to the turbine support.

In one aspect of this invention, the turbine support further comprises asupport shaft and a base. The base further comprises a platform locatedsubstantially under a bottom of the turbine rotor. One or more magnetsets further comprise one or more levitation magnet sets, wherein theone or more levitation magnet sets are configured to form the spacebetween the platform of the turbine support and the bottom of theturbine rotor. Alternatively the one or more magnet sets can compriseone or more stabilization magnet sets. The one or more stabilizationmagnet sets are configured to form the space between the support shaftand the turbine rotor.

The one or more generators have a generator gear; and a turbine gear,wherein the turbine gear is configured to move the generator gear. Tofurther improve efficiency of the wind turbine, a magnetic gearconnection is present between the generator gear and the turbine gear.The magnetic gear connection is configured to move the generator gearwith reduced friction between the turbine gear and the generator gear.The one or more generators can comprise at least one linear synchronousgenerator.

The turbine rotor comprises a central axis, a bottom; and a top. In oneembodiment of this invention, the bottom and the top extendsubstantially radially away from the central axis. One or more bladesmay comprise a poly-carbon material and extend substantially between thetop and the bottom of the turbine rotor.

In an alternative embodiment of a wind turbine, the wind turbinecomprises a turbine rotor, a turbine support; and one or more bladescoupled to the turbine rotor, the one or more blades configured to movethe turbine rotor relative to the turbine support in response to windengaging and rotating the one or more blades. This embodiment of thewind turbine also comprises one or more magnet sets located between theturbine support and the turbine rotor, the one or more magnetspositioned on the turbine support and/or the turbine rotor to create aspace between the turbine support and the turbine rotor thereby reducingfriction between the turbine support and the turbine rotor. One or moregenerators are configured to generate electric power in response to therelative rotational movement between the turbine rotor and the turbinesupport frame. The turbine support frame further comprises a baselocated below the turbine rotor, a support shaft located along a centralaxis of the turbine rotor and a top configured to cover a substantialportion of the turbine rotor and the one or more blades. Advantageously,the wind turbine of this embodiment has a top that further comprises anobservation deck for one or more persons to access. The support shafthas an interior access way configured to allow the one or more personsto travel to and from the observation deck. The interior access way cancomprises an elevator for easy access.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine may have a transport device locatedbeneath the turbine support and configured to move the wind turbine toand from remote sites. The transport device may comprise a trailer.

In a method for generating electricity, advantageously, the methodcomprises lifting a vertical turbine rotor off of a turbine supportusing one or more sets of magnets thereby reducing the friction betweenthe vertical turbine rotor and the turbine support. As one or moreblades coupled to the vertical turbine rotor engage with wind, thevertical turbine rotor rotates relative to the turbine support and themechanical energy of the moving vertical turbine rotor is converted intoelectric power using a generator. The one or more sets of magnets areused to create a space between the vertical turbine rotor and theturbine support. In this method, the turbine support further comprises asupport shaft and a base, the base further comprising a platform locatedsubstantially under a bottom of the turbine rotor and the method furthercomprises using one or more levitation magnet sets positioned on theplatform adjacent the bottom of the turbine rotor and one or morelevitation magnet sets positioned on the bottom of the turbine rotoradjacent to the platform, wherein the one or more levitation magnet setson the platform and the one or more levitation magnet sets on the bottomof the turbine rotor create an opposing force resulting in a spacebetween the turbine rotor and the turbine support.

A turbine gear is mechanically coupled to the vertical turbine rotorthat is proximate a generator gear and mechanically coupled to thegenerator. The rotation of the turbine gear is transmitted to thegenerator gear causing the generator gear to rotate. Rotating thegenerator gear further comprises engaging the generator gear with amagnetic force between the turbine gear and the generator gear.

In an alternative method for generating electricity, a set of dipolarmagnets is coupled to a turbine rotor and a turbine support. The set ofdipolar magnets is used to create a space between the turbine rotor andturbine support thereby reducing the friction force between the turbinerotor and the turbine support. In this way, the mechanical energy of themoving turbine rotor is converted into electric power using a generatorwith greater efficiency resulting in a significant increase inelectrical power by each wind turbine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying DRAWINGS, where like reference numerals designate likestructural and other elements, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of a wind turbine according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a wind turbine according to oneembodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a wind turbine according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes ofexplanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that these specific details are not required topractice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications areprovided only as representative examples. Various modifications to thepreferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the scope of theinvention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A is a schematic cross sectional view of a wind turbine 100,according to one embodiment. The wind turbine 100, as shown, is avertical axis wind turbine. Therefore, a core axis 102 of the windturbine 100 is substantially in a vertical plane relative to the Earth.The wind turbine 100 may have a turbine rotor 104 and a turbine support106 within and concentric to the turbine rotor 104. The turbine rotor104 rotates around the core axis 102 of the turbine support 106 inresponse to wind engaging one or more blades 108, shown schematically.The kinetic energy from the wind is captured by the blades 108 therebyrotating the turbine rotor 104. The turbine core support 106 may remainstationary as the turbine rotor 104 rotates around the axis 102. Inorder to reduce the effects of friction between the rotating turbinerotor 104 and the turbine support 106, one or more sets of magnets 110are used to reduce the weight force of the turbine rotor 104 acting onthe turbine support 106. A generator 112 may be located proximate thewind turbine 100 in order to convert the mechanical energy of therotating turbine rotor 104 into electric power.

The turbine rotor 104, as shown in FIG. 1A, comprises a central axis 113that is substantially centered around the axis 102. The turbine rotor104, may include a top 114 and a bottom 116 extending out from thecentral axis 113. As shown, the central axis 113 supports the top 114and the bottom 116. The top 114 and/or the bottom 116, as shown, extendsradially away from the central axis 113. In FIG. 1B a top view of thewind turbine 100 is shown. The top view shows the top 114 extending afirst radius R1 away from the axis 102. The bottom 116 may extend thesame distance as the top 114 from the axis 102; however, it should beappreciated that the distance the top 114 and bottom 116 extend from theaxis 102 may vary depending on design conditions. The top 114, as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B, extends over the top of a support shaft 118 of theturbine support 106; however, it should be appreciated that othersuitable configurations for the top 114 may be used.

The turbine rotor 104 may have alternative designs to the one shown inFIG. 1. For example, the turbine rotor 104 may not cover the top of thesupport shaft 118, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the turbine rotor 104may simply include the top 114 and the bottom 116 and be held togetherby the blades 108. Further still, the top 114 and/or the bottom 116 maynot be shaped in a circular pattern, but instead may extend as supportsover each of the blades 108 in an effort to save money on materials andreduce the weight of the turbine rotor 104. The turbine rotor 104 mayhave any suitable design capable of supporting the blades 108 androtating around the axis 102.

The bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104 may include one or more of themagnets 110. The one or more magnets 110 located in the bottom 116 ofthe turbine rotor 104 provide an opposing force against one or moremagnets 110 located on the turbine support 106. The opposing forcecreated by the one or more magnets 110 reduces the weight load of theturbine rotor 104 on the turbine support 106, as will be discussed inmore detail below.

The turbine support 106 may be any suitable shape capable of supportingthe weight of the turbine rotor 104 and stabilizing the turbine rotor104 as it rotates about the axis 102. The turbine support 106, as shownin FIG. 1A, includes a base 120 and the support shaft 118. The base 120may rest under the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104. The base 120typically acts as a support between a surface 124, such as the ground orbed rock, and the turbine rotor 104. The base 120 may include a platform122 adjacent the turbine rotor 104 and a bottom member 123 adjacent thesurface 124. The base 120 may be any suitable shape so long as the baseis capable of supporting the weight of the turbine rotor 104.

The surface 124, as shown in FIG. 1A, is the ground; however, it shouldbe appreciated that the surface 124 may be any suitable surface forsupporting the base 120 including, but not limited to, a trailer, aboat, a rail car as illustrated in FIG. 3, a top of a building, a top ofa parking garage, a top of a stadium, offshore platforms, islands(man-made or otherwise) and the like.

The platform 122 typically provides the support for the weight of theturbine rotor 104. The platform 122 may include one or more magnets 110Bwhich provide an opposing force against the one or more magnets 110Alocated on the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104, as will be describedin more detail below. The base 120 and/or the platform 122 may extendthe same radial distance from the axis 102 as the turbine rotor 104.Alternatively, the base 120 may extend a shorter radial distance fromthe axis 102 than the turbine rotor 104, or, in another alternativeembodiment, may extend a longer radial distance from the axis 102 thanthe turbine rotor 104. It should be appreciated that the platform 122may be any suitable shape capable of providing a vertical supportsurface for the turbine rotor 104.

The support shaft 118 of the turbine support 106 may provide forstabilization of the turbine rotor 104. The support shaft 118, as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B is located radially inside the central axis 113 ofthe turbine rotor 104. FIG. 1A shows the support shaft 118 as asubstantially solid shaft which is slightly smaller than the interior ofthe central axis 113 of the turbine rotor 104. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 2, the support shaft 118 may define an opening that allows foran interior access way 202. The support shaft 118 allows the turbinerotor 104 to rotate in response to the wind while preventing the turbinerotor 104 from moving substantially in the direction perpendicular tothe core axis 102. The support shaft 118 may include one or more magnets110C which provide an opposing force against one or more magnets 110Dlocated on the central axis 113 of the turbine rotor 104. The magnet110C located on the support shaft 118 may act to stabilize the turbinerotor as will be discussed in more detail below.

The wind turbine 100 may include a connector 126, shown schematically inFIGS. 1A and 3. The connector 126 may secure the turbine rotor 104 tothe turbine support 106 while allowing the turbine rotor 104 to rotate.FIG. 1A shows the connector 126 as a pin type connection which issecured to the support shaft 118 and penetrates an opening in the top114 of the turbine rotor 104. A head of the pin may rest on the top 114of the turbine rotor 104. The opening may be large enough to not engagethe pin as the turbine rotor 104 rotates about the turbine support 106.The head may simply provide an upward travel limit for the turbine rotor104. Thus, typically the turbine rotor 104 may not engage the connector126; however, in the event that the turbine rotor 104 lifts off of theturbine support 106, the head will stop it from becoming detached fromthe wind turbine 100. It should be appreciated that any suitablearrangement for securing the turbine rotor 104 to the turbine support106 may be used.

The one or more sets of magnets 110C, 110D reduce friction between theturbine support 106 and the turbine rotor 104 by creating a spacebetween the turbine support 106 and the turbine rotor 104 due to theopposing forces of the magnets. The magnets replace the role of rollerbearings in prior wind turbines. The one or more magnets 110A, 110Bpositioned on the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104 and the platform122 of the turbine support may include one or more levitation magnetsand one or more stabilization magnets. The levitation magnets supply anopposing force between the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104 and theplatform 122. The opposing force created by the levitation magnets maycreate a force on the turbine rotor 104 substantially opposite to agravitational force on the turbine rotor 104. The levitation magnets canprovide a large enough opposing force to lift the turbine rotor 104 offof the platform 122 thereby eliminating friction between the platform122 and the turbine rotor 104. Specifically, a space may be createdbetween the platform 122 and the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104 asa result of the opposing force. Alternatively, the opposing forcecreated by the levitation magnets may only negate a portion of thegravitational force, so that the friction force between the platform 122and the turbine rotor 104 is reduced.

The stabilization magnets 110D, 110C, as shown in FIG. 1A, are designedto provide an opposing force between the central axis 113 and thesupport shaft 118. The stabilization magnets may be located directly onthe interior of the central axis 113 and the exterior of the supportshaft 118. The stabilization magnets may maintain a space between theinner diameter of the central axis 113 and the outer diameter of thesupport shaft 118. Therefore, during rotation of the turbine rotor 104there may be no friction between the central axis 113 of the turbinerotor 104 and the support shaft 118. It should be appreciated that othermeans of reducing the friction between central axis 113 and the supportshaft 118 may be used including, but not limited to, a bearing.

Friction may be eliminated between the turbine rotor 104 and the turbinesupport 106 using both the levitation magnets and stabilization magnets.The one or more sets of magnets 110 may be any magnets suitable forcreating an opposing force including but not limited to a permanentmagnet, an electromagnet, permanent rare earth magnet, ferromagneticmaterials, permanent magnet materials, magnet wires and the like. Apermanent rare earth magnet may include samarium cobalt (SmCo) and/orneodymium (NdFEB). Further, the one or more magnets 110 may be arrangedin any suitable manner so long as they reduce the friction between theturbine rotor 104 and the turbine support 106. FIGS. 1A, 2, and 3 showthe one or more sets of magnets 110 as a series of permanent magnetsspaced apart from one another; however, it should be appreciated that anelectromagnet may be used in order to magnetize a portion of the turbinerotor 104 and the turbine support 106. Further, in an alternativeembodiment, a portion of the turbine rotor 104 and the turbine support106 may be magnetized to provide the opposing force. Thus in analternative embodiment, the entire platform 122 and/or base 120 may bemagnetized to provide an opposing force on the bottom 116 of the turbinerotor 104 which may also be magnetized.

The blades 108 may be any suitable blade capable of converting thekinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy. In one embodiment,the blades 108 are made from a thin metal material, however, it shouldbe appreciated that blades may be any suitable material including, butnot limited to, a poly-carbon, a fabric, a synthetic material.

The blades 108 may be fixed to the turbine rotor 104 in a staticposition. Alternatively, the blades 108 may be moveably attached to theturbine rotor 104. For example, a connection between the blades 108 andthe turbine rotor 104 may allow the angle of the blades 108 to adjust inrelation to the turbine rotor 104. The angle may adjust manually orautomatically in response to the wind conditions at the location.

The turbine rotor 104 provides mechanical energy for the one or moregenerators 112 as the turbine rotor 104 rotates about the axis 102. Inone embodiment, a generator gear 128 is moved by a portion of theturbine rotor 104 as the turbine rotor 104 rotates. As shown in FIG. 1A,an outer edge 130 of the gear 128 may be proximate an edge of theturbine rotor 104. In one embodiment, the gear 128 engages the turbinerotor 104 with a traditional gear and/or transmission device capable oftransferring rotation to the gear 128.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the gear 128 may be amagnetic gear. The magnetic gear is a gear that moves in response to amagnetic force between the turbine rotor 104 and the magnetic gear. Atleast one of the gear 128 and/or the proximate portion of the turbinerotor 104 may be magnetized. Thus, as the turbine rotor 104 rotatesproximate the gear 128 the magnetic force moves the gear 128 in responseto the turbine rotor 104 rotation. The magnetic gear allows the turbinerotor 104 to rotate the gear 128 without any friction between the twocomponents.

FIG. 3 shows the magnetic gear according to one embodiment. A rotor gearcomponent 300 may protrude from the outer surface of the turbine rotor104. The rotor gear component 300 may extend beyond the outer diameterof the turbine rotor 103 and rotate with the turbine rotor 104. Asshown, the rotor gear component 300 is a plate extending around an outerdiameter of the turbine rotor 104; however, it should be appreciatedthat any suitable configuration for the rotor gear component 300 may beused. The gear 128 may include one or more gear wheels 302 which extendfrom the gear to a location proximate the rotor gear component 300. Asshown in FIG. 3, there are two gear wheels 302 which are located aboveand below a portion of the rotor gear component 300. As the turbinerotor 104 rotates, the rotor gear component 300 rotates. A portion ofthe rotor gear component 300 may pass in between two portions of one ormore gear wheels 302. Any of the rotor gear component 300, and the oneor more gear wheels 302 may be magnetized. The type of magnet used toproduce the magnetic force for the magnetic gear may be any magnetdescribed herein. The magnetic force between the components of themagnetic gear move the gear 128 thereby generating electricity and/orpower in the generator 112.

The generators 112 may be located at various locations proximate theturbine rotor 104. FIG. 1B shows three generators 112 located around theperimeter of the turbine rotor 104. It should be appreciated that anysuitable number of generators 112 may be used around the perimeter ofthe turbine rotor 104. Further, the generator 112 may be located atother locations proximate the turbine rotor including, but not limitedto, proximate the shaft 102 of the turbine rotor, in line with the axis102 above and/or below the turbine rotor 104, and the like.

The generator 112 may be any suitable generator for convertingmechanical energy into power including, but not limited to, electricgenerators, motors, linear generators, and the like.

In one embodiment, one or more of the generators 112 is a linearsynchronous motor (LSM). The LSM motor may advance the turbine support120 and may double as a braking system.

The power generated by the generator may be fed directly to a powergrid.

Further, it should be appreciated that the power may alternatively oradditionally be used on site or stored. The stored power may be used ata later date when demand for the power is higher. Examples of powerstorage units include, but are not limited to, batteries and generatingstored compressed air, a flywheel system, a magnetically levitatedflywheel system, hydraulic accumulators, capacitors, super capacitors, acombination thereof, and the like.

The one or more magnets 110 reduce and potentially eliminate frictionbetween the turbine rotor 104 and the turbine support 106. This frictionreduction allows the scale of the wind turbine 100 to be much largerthan a conventional wind turbine. In a conventional wind turbine thelarger the wind turbine, the more friction is created between the movingparts. The amount of friction eventually limits the effective size of aconventional wind turbine. In one example, the wind turbine may have anouter diameter of 1000 ft. Known wind turbines prior to this inventiontypically have diameters of up to approximately 300 ft. In a preferredembodiment, a fixed wind turbine 200, as shown in

FIG. 2, has an outer diameter of about 600 ft. and is capable ofproducing more than 1 GWh of power. A smaller portable wind turbine 304,shown in FIG. 3, may be adapted to transport to remote locations. Theportable version may have a diameter of greater than 15 ft. and a heightof greater than 15 ft. In a preferred embodiment, the portable versionhas an outer diameter within a range of about 30 ft. to 120 ft. and aheight within a range of about 25 ft. to 100 ft. and is capable ofproducing 50 MWh of power. It should be appreciated that the size andscale of the wind turbine may vary depending on a customers need.Further, it should be appreciated that more than one wind turbine may belocated on the same portable transports system, and/or at one fixedlocation.

Although, the overall size of the wind turbine 100 may be much largerthan a traditional wind turbine, the amount of power one wind turbine100 produces is much larger than a traditional wind turbine. Therefore,the total land use required for the wind turbine 100 may be reduced overthat required for a traditional wind farm.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows the fixed wind turbine 200,according to one embodiment. The fixed wind turbine 200 may have aturbine support 106 which extends over the turbine rotor 104. The one ormore magnets 110 may be on an upper portion 201 of the turbine support106 in addition to the locations described above.

The fixed wind turbine 200 may include an interior access way 202,according to one embodiment. It should be appreciated that any of thewind turbines 100, 200 and 304 may include an interior access way 202.The interior access way 202 allows a person to access the interior ofthe turbine support 104. The interior access way 202 may extend aboveand/or below the turbine rotor 104 in order to give the person access tovarious locations in the fixed wind turbine 200. The interior access way202 may allow a person to perform maintenance on the magnets 110 andother components of the wind turbine 100, 200, and 304. Further, theinterior access way 202 may have a means for transporting persons up anddown the interior access way 202. The means for transporting persons maybe any suitable item including, but not limited to, an elevator, a cableelevator, a hydraulic elevator, a magnetic elevator, a stair, a spiralstaircase, an escalator, a ladder, a rope, a fireman pole, a spiralelevator, and the like. The spiral elevator is an elevator thattransports one or more persons up and down the interior access way 202in a spiral fashion around the interior of the interior access way 202.For example, the spiral elevator may travel in a similar path to aspiral staircase. The elevator and/or spiral elevator may use magneticlevitation to lift the elevator up and down.

The upper portion 201 of the turbine support 106 may include anobservation deck 204. The observation deck 204 may extend around theperimeter of the wind turbine 100, 200 and/or 304, thereby allowing aperson to view the surrounding area from the observation deck 204. Theobservation deck 204 may also serve as a location for an operator tocontrol various features of the wind turbine, as will be discussed inmore detail below.

The upper portion 201 of the turbine support 106 may further include ahelipad 206. The helipad 202 allows persons to fly to the wind turbine100, 200, and/or 304 and land a helicopter (not shown) directly on thewind turbine. This may be particularly useful in remote locations, orlocations with limited access including, but not limited to, the ocean,a lake, a industrial area, a tundra, a desert, and the like.

The upper portion 201 of the turbine support 106 may further have one ormore cranes 208. The cranes 208 allow an operator to lift heavyequipment. The crane 208 may be a tandem crane capable of rotatingaround the diameter of the wind turbine. The crane may assist in theconstruction of the wind turbine 100.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the wind turbine 100 in conjunction with oneor more wind compressors 400. The wind compressors 400 are each anobstruction configured to channel the wind toward the wind turbine 100,creating a venture effect as the winds converge toward the wind turbine100. This venturi effect on the wind turbines increases the rpms orrotation speed of the rotors which translates into increased electricalenergy produced by the generators 112 (FIG. 1A). This increase in windenergy and force upon the turbine blades 108 is thus translated from thewind turbine 500 to the generator 112 resulting in an increased outputof electricity. This invention 400 increases the efficiency and ultimateoutput of the wind turbine 100 up to or beyond 1000-2000 megawatts perhour (MWh) or 1 gigawatt (GWh) per hour. Known wind turbines producebetween 2-4 MGW/hour.

The wind compressor 400 may be any suitable obstruction capable ofre-channeling the natural flow of wind towards the wind turbines 100,400. Suitable wind compressors include, but are not limited to, a sail,a railroad car, a trailer truck body, a structure, and the like.Structurally the obstructions comprises a shape and size to capture andredirect a body of wind towards the wind turbine. In one embodiment anobstruction such as a sail, which comprises a large area in twodimensions but is basically a flat object, must be anchored to avoiddisplacement by the force of the wind. Other obstructions, such as therail road car or trailer truck, should have enough weight to avoid winddisplacement.

Each of the wind compressors 400 may be moveably coupled to atransporter 403, or transport device to move the compressor 400 to alocation or position that captures the wind flow as the direction ofwind changes and directs the wind flow towards the wind turbine. Thetransporter may be any suitable transporter 403 capable of moving thewind compressor 400 including, but not limited to, a locomotive to movea rail car, a automobile, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a Sino trailer, aheavy duty self propelled modular transporter 403 and the like. Each ofthe transporters 403 may include an engine or motor capable ofpropelling the transporter 403. The location of each of the windcompressors 400 may be adjusted to suit the prevailing wind pattern at aparticular location. Further, the location of the wind compressors 400may be automatically and/or manually changed to suit shifts in the winddirection. To that end, the transporter 403 may include a drive memberfor moving the transporter 403. The transporter 403 may be incommunication with a controller, for manipulating the location of eachof the transporters 403 in response to the wind direction. A separatecontroller may be located within each of the transporters 403.

One or more pathways 402, shown in FIG. 4, may guide transporters 403 asthey carry the wind compressors 400 to a new location around the windturbine 100. The one or more pathways 402 may be any suitable pathwayfor guiding the transporters including, but not limited to, a railroad,a monorail, a roadway, a waterway, and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, theone or more pathways 402 are a series of increasingly larger circleswhich extend around the entire wind turbine 100. It should beappreciated that any suitable configuration for the pathways 402 may beused. As described above, the size of the wind turbine 100 may begreatly increased due to the minimized friction between the turbinerotor 104 and the turbine support 106. Thus, the pathways 402 mayencompass a large area around the wind turbine 100. The wind compressors400 as a group may extend out any distance from the wind turbine 100,only limited by the land use in the area. Thus, a large area of wind maybe channeled directly toward the wind turbine 100 thereby increasing theamount of wind engaging the blades 108.

In one aspect of this invention, the controller may be a singlecontroller 404 capable of controlling each of the transporters 403 froman onsite or remote location. The controller(s) 404 may be in wired orwireless communication with the transporters 403. The controller(s) 404may initiate an actuator thereby controlling the engine, motor or drivemember of the transporter 403. The controller(s) may comprise a centralprocessing unit (CPU), support circuits and memory. The CPU may comprisea general processing computer, microprocessor, or digital signalprocessor of a type that is used for signal processing. The supportcircuits may comprise well known circuits such as cache, clock circuits,power supplies, input/output circuits, and the like. The memory maycomprise read only memory, random access memory, disk drive memory,removable storage and other forms of digital memory in variouscombinations. The memory stores control software and signal processingsoftware. The control software is generally used to provide control ofthe systems of the wind turbine including the location of thetransporters 403, the blade direction, the amount of power being storedversus sent to the power grid, and the like. The processor may becapable of calculating the optimal location of each of the windcompressors based on data from the sensors.

One or more sensors 310, shown in FIG. 3, may be located on the windturbines 100, 200 and/or 304 and/or in the area surrounding the windturbines. The sensors 310 may detect the current wind direction and/orstrength and send the information to a controller 312. The sensors 310may also detect the speed of rotation of the turbine rotor 104. Thecontroller 312 may receive information regarding any of the componentsand/or sensors associated with the wind turbines. The controller 312 maythen send instructions to various components of the wind turbines, thewind compressors and/or the generators in order to optimize theefficiency of the wind turbines. The controller 312 may be locatedinside the base of the tower, at the concrete foundation, a remotelocation, or in the control room at the top of the tower.

It should be appreciated that the wind compressors may be used inconjunction with any number and type of wind turbine, or wind farms. Forexample, the wind compressors 400 may be used with one or morehorizontal wind turbines, traditional vertical wind turbines, the windturbines described herein and any combination thereof.

Preferred methods and apparatus for practicing the present inventionhave been described. It will be understood and readily apparent to theskilled artisan that many changes and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and thescope of the present invention. The foregoing is illustrative only andthat other embodiments of the integrated processes and apparatus may beemployed without departing from the true scope of the invention definedin the following claims.

1. A wind turbine, comprising: a turbine support having a lower portionand a vertical portion; an upper surface of said lower portion having aplurality of levitation magnets positioned thereon; said verticalportion of said turbine support being cylindrically shaped and having aplurality of stabilization magnets positioned thereon; a turbine rotorhaving a central portion and a lower portion; said central portion ofsaid turbine rotor configured to receive said vertical portion of saidturbine support therein, said central portion having a plurality ofstabilization magnets positioned on said central portion, said pluralityof stabilization magnets on said central portion being positionedopposing said plurality of stabilization magnets on said centralportion, the opposition creating and maintaining a first spacetherebetween; said lower portion of said turbine rotor having aplurality of levitation magnets positioned thereon, said plurality oflevitation magnets on said lower portion being positioned opposing saidplurality of levitation magnets on said upper surface, the oppositioncreating and maintaining a second space therebetween; a plurality ofblades coupled to said turbine rotor; and at least one generatorconfigured to generate electric power from the movement of said windturbine by wind.
 2. The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein saidturbine rotor covers said vertical portion of said turbine support. 3.The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein said turbine rotor doesnot cover said vertical portion of said turbine support.
 4. The windturbine according to claim 1, wherein said turbine support furthercomprises an upper portion having a plurality of second levitationmagnets along a lower surface thereof; and wherein said turbine rotorhas an upper portion a plurality of second levitation magnets positionedthereon along an upper surface thereof, said plurality of secondlevitation magnets on said lower surface being positioned opposing saidplurality of second levitation magnets along said upper surface, theopposition creating and maintaining a third space therebetween.
 5. Thewind turbine according to claim 1, wherein said vertical portion of saidturbine support has an interior portion.
 6. The wind turbine accordingto claim 5, wherein said interior portion comprises an access way, and,further comprising: a transportation device within said interiorportion.
 7. The wind turbine according to claim 6, wherein saidtransportation device is selected from the group consisting of anelevator, a cable elevator, a hydraulic elevator, a magnetic elevator, astairway, a spiral stairway, an escalator, a ladder, a rope, a firemanpole, a spiral elevator, a trailer and combinations thereof.
 8. The windturbine according to claim 1, wherein said wind turbine has a roofportion thereof with equipment thereon, said equipment selected from thegroup consisting of an observation deck, a helipad, a crane andcombinations thereof.
 9. The wind turbine according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a connector, said connector securing said turbine rotor tosaid vertical portion of said turbine support.
 10. The wind turbineaccording to claim 9, wherein said connector is a pin-type connector,said turbine rotor rotating thereabout.
 11. The wind turbine accordingto claim 1, further comprising a bearing substantially within said firstspace.
 12. The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein said turbinesupport extends over said turbine rotor, a lower surface of said turbinesupport extending over said turbine rotor, said plurality of levitationmagnets of said turbine support comprising at least one upperstabilization magnet, and wherein said plurality of levitation magnetsof said turbine rotor comprising at least one upper stabilizationmagnet, said at least one upper stabilization magnet of said turbinerotor being positioned opposing said at least one upper stabilizationmagnet of said turbine support, the opposition creating and maintaininga fourth space therebetween.
 13. The wind turbine according to claim 1,wherein said plurality of levitation magnets and said plurality ofstabilization magnets are magnets selected from the group consisting ofpermanent magnets, electromagnets, permanent rare earth magnets,samarium cobalt magnet materials, neodymium magnet materials,ferromagnetic materials, permanent magnetic materials, magnetic wires,and combinations thereof.
 14. The wind turbine according to claim 1,wherein portions of said turbine rotor and said turbine support aremagnetized.
 15. The wind turbine according to claim 14, wherein saidturbine rotor and said turbine support are magnetized.
 16. The windturbine according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of blades areaffixed in a static position on said wind turbine.
 17. The wind turbineaccording to claim 1, wherein said plurality of blades are moveablyattached to said wind turbine.
 18. The wind turbine according to claim1, further comprising: a generator gear, said generator gear beingselected from the group consisting of a traditional gear, a transmissiongear, a magnetic gear and combinations thereof.
 19. The wind turbine ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one generator is disposed proximate saidturbine rotor, said at least one generator disposed at positionsselected from the group consisting of along the perimeter of the turbinerotor, above said turbine rotor, below said turbine rotor, andcombinations thereof, wherein said at least one generator is selectedfrom the group consisting of electric generators, motors, lineargenerators, linear synchronous generators and combinations thereof. 20.The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein the energy generated bysaid at least generator is utilized in a manner selected from the groupconsisting of (1) feeding to a power grid attached to said wind turbine,(2) storage in batteries, (3) storage in compressed air, (4) storage ina flywheel, (5) storage in a magnetically levitated flywheel, (6)storage in hydraulic accumulators, (7) storage in capacitors, (8)storage in super capacitors, and combinations thereof.
 21. The windturbine according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one sensorlocated proximate said wind turbine, wherein said at least one sensor isselected from the group consisting of wind director detectors, windstrength detectors, turbine rotational speed detectors, and combinationsthereof.
 22. The wind turbine according to claim 1, further comprising:at least one controller, said controller being wired and/or wireless;and at least one actuator for controlling said wind turbine via said atleast one controller.
 23. The wind turbine according to claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one wind compressor for channeling wind to saidwind turbine, said at least one compressor disposed adjacent said windturbine.
 24. The wind turbine according to claim 23, further comprising:at least one transporter moveably coupled to at least one of said windcompressors; and at least one pathway along which at least one of saidtransporters move.
 25. A method for generating electricity from a windturbine, comprising: vertically lifting a turbine rotor off of a turbinesupport using a first plurality of opposed magnets therebetween, saidlifting creating a first space between said turbine rotor and saidturbine support; horizontally aligning said turbine rotor using a secondplurality of opposed magnets on said turbine rotor and said turbinesupport, said aligning creating a second space between the verticalturbine rotor and the turbine support; engaging one or more bladescoupled to said turbine rotor with wind, whereby said turbine rotorrotates relative to said turbine support as the one or more bladesengage the wind; and converting the mechanical energy of the movingturbine rotor into electric power using a generator.